How do you check what programs run at computer start up?

november

Hi

A colleague has had computer problems (OK a major crash/refusal to work) which is now resolved thanks to the help of a techi volunteer.

However it looks like her anti-virus and firewall may be no longer functioning correctly and/or no longer running at start up.

Seems to me the easiest thing to do first is check if they are starting at start up.

Oh and of course she won't go on line at the moment so I'm asking for her as neither of us can remember how to check what programs are starting at computer start up.

Zahc

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Zahc

But if you're worried about your firewall and AV, uninstall and re-install to be sure is my advice.

sf

this freeware prog should help...

http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html

november

Thanks

And thanks for not laughing at me. I'd asked 3 people and none of us could remember

Strangely enough I've looked at mine and my start up doesn't show anything like that starting up anyway

I think she may be better off uninstalling what's left of the antivirus program, as she can see it but not get into it nor is it starting when the computer does like it was. Plus installing another firewall as her Windows one is inaccessible. With the Firewall her connection shows as firewalled BUT if you try to open Windows firewall from the icon or any other possible avenue it doesn't. Her security centre currently shows absolutely nothing! (as opposed to mine showing Firewall on, Anti Virus on and Microsoft Automatic Updates off).

Chippy_Minton

Click Start - Run - type msconfig - click OK and look on Startup tab.

Services also start when the system boots up, however don't disable them on the Services tab in Msconfig. Instead type services.msc in the Run box and disable ones you don't require there.

If you want more detail and other startup options, download Autoruns from Sysinternals.

november

Thanks all.

She's going to uninstall her anti virus program then reinstall.

Then download Zone Alarm to make up for the probably not working Windows Firewall.

We'll check the start up later if there is any probs with things not running at start up still

Thanks for the additional info - I'm going to stop a few things starting up on mine I think

crox

Top of my head, but I don't think the built in windows firewall is visible as an app in the traditional sense, have you looked in Security in the Control Panel?